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MasterShield’s aluminum housing is guaranteed not to crack, chip, or blister. (Courtesy of MasterShield)

By Debra Atlas

As summer blends into fall, the annual clearing of clogged rain gutters looms for most homeowners. A thankless but necessary job, it seems no matter what kind of gutters one has, they are going to require a trip up the ladder.

Someone has finally invented a system that changes all this.

MasterShield Gutter Protection promises to end the whole gutter clogging cycle. The system was created by Alex Higginbotham, inventor of the first self-cleaning gutter guard and numerous other related inventions. Utilizing a surgical-grade, stainless steel, micromesh cloth filter that separates water from all sorts of debris, MasterShield filters water more quickly and fully than standard gutter protection systems.

With its innovative, patented LeafRelease technology, MasterShield’s stepped, nonstick surface does not trap debris like other systems. Its HydroVortex technology siphons water into the gutter faster, working at both flat or vertical angles. Its raised ribs help separate rainwater from debris, helping to dry and blow debris away more quickly than it would on a solid or flat surface. The micro filter completely encloses your gutter, guaranteeing that it stays 100-percent debris free. And because it is self-cleaning, it is maintenance free for life.

Higginbotham’s gutter guard technology—which has been copied, or attempted to be copied by other gutter guard manufacturers—is the only workable gutter guard technology that still is patent protected. According to the inventor, no one has achieved a patent in this field without incorporating his technology into their design. Without Higginbotham’s technology, stainless steel filters simply clog and fail.

See MasterShield gutter guard in action here:

Click here to view the embedded video.

When it comes to MasterShield’s appeal, it spans its many features, including green ones. Its aluminum housing—coated with a baked-on enamel finish that is guaranteed not to crack, chip, or blister—is made with 95 percent recycled content. The product’s stainless steel contains more than 30 percent recycled content.

For homeowners more deeply into green, MasterShield also helps with rainwater reclamation. Homeowners can route the flowing water from the rain gutter downspout directly to rain barrels which can then be used for watering home gardens and landscaping.

Among MasterShield’s other pluses, it works with new or existing gutters, because it blends with the roofline, it is virtually invisible from the ground, and installing it will not void your roof warranty.

MasterShield’s No Clog Warranty, which says the consumer’s gutter will not clog is unique to the industry. If a gutter somehow does clog, the company will replace it or refund the product cost of the MasterShield installed on the consumer’s house. And if there is damage from a clog, the company will refund the consumer’s insurance deductible, up to $1,500.

Several years ago, the Better Business Bureau received complaints about the lack of follow-up, customer service, and issues with the product provided by a company that installed MasterShield. These pertain to an Ohio company and its installation of the original version of the product, said Jennie Klahre, assistant account executive for RLF Communications, speaking on behalf of MasterShield Gutter Protection, a company based in New Jersey.

“It has happened before that [the two companies have] been confused [with each other],” Klahre says. In late 2009, the New Jersey company introduced a new version that overlaps at the roof’s seams, which seems to have solved the original issues.

Also some consumers have had issues with ice formation during the wintertime with their Leafguard gutter shields by MasterShield. Consumers who live in an area that gets plenty of snow should consider that possibility.

See consumer magazine tests and reports on MasterShield gutter guard:

Click here to view the embedded video.

Many MasterShield dealers will match the MasterShield product guarantee with a warranty of their own on their installation costs. And many also provide the industry’s first ever Birds & Bees Nest Guarantee. The warranty is even transferable if a consumer sells his home.

As to aesthetics, MasterShield is available in 14 different colors to match existing shingles or gutters—and consumers can special order it in copper. Manufactured in the United States, MasterShield will fit virtually any style and common-size roofline. The company says it is most effective when pitched with the roof.

Competitively priced, MasterShield can mean peace of mind for homeowners—and an end to that potentially dangerous annual trip up the ladder.

An environmental journalist and blogger, Debra Atlas is reachable through Eco-hub.net or debraatlas@gmail.com. Check out more articles by Debra Atlas.

© 2011 SCGH, LLC.

Streets paved with recycled concrete.Eco-friendly siding on suburban homes.Hybrid and electric cars parked in every driveway.Sounds like a perfect eco-friendly neighborhood.What’s missing?The perfect eco-roof.

An ideal roof serves as an efficient barrier between the elements and the interior, is well insulated, and may even have solar modules. If you are looking for an elegant, simple, solar, and space-conscious solution, invest in solar shingles. This new solar product is a great esthetic alternative to photovoltaic (PV) panels. If you’re an environmentally-aware homeowner who is searching to lower utility bills in a tasteful manner, solar shingles are for you.

You can install enough BIPVs to sell electricity back to the local power company (where this option is available). At least 39 states allow you to sell unused wattage to the local power company; however, there are certain locations that limit the amount of solar electricity produced. For example, it can be difficult to produce all the energy necessary to power a Boston home during a cloudy day, so you may end up tapping into local power for service on rainy days. In California or Nevada solar energy is abundant and can potentially take a home powered by solar shingles off the main grid.

For example, Sheri Gage of California was recently featured on This Old House. She and her husband invested $15,000 on the BIPV system integrated into their existing cement-tile roof. Since the install, her last electrical bill was a mere $3.85. Gage says, “I am now a firm believer in the power of the sun.”

Although some may think that a solar-shingled roof requires more work, it really demands the same maintenance as an average roof. The shingles must be monitored for leaks and hail damage. It is recommended that your solar roof is added to your homeowner’s insurance policy.On occasion, it may be necessary to test the efficiency of your BIVPs to identify damaged or malfunctioning shingles. It is recommended that you occasionally hose off your solar shingles to maintain the constant supply of energy and remove debris.

Fortunately, with proper maintenance the average lifetime of solar shingles (depending on location and company) is approximately 20 – 25 years.

Incentive & Cost

Going green doesn’t have to mean huge costs. Solar shingles may be a pricier investment, but the government is helping out with incentives. The 30% Federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC) for both residential and commercial solar installation has been extended through December 2016. To determine your local and state solar tax incentive visit DSIRE USA.

… to your wallet

A solar-shingled roof provides many economic benefits, despite its initial costs. Upon installation, prepare to be astonished by much lower utility bills and in many cases, your meter spinning backwards. Sell power back to the local electric company and/or cut back on power bills.

… to the Earth

Harvesting sunlight as energy is an excellent way to be green. Reduce your dependence on the local electric company and give your checking account a break. Solar energy is renewable, clean and can be harvested without exhausting fossil fuels or causing pollution. When you save on energy it means you are reducing toxic emissions: sulfur dioxide, nitric oxides, VOCs, toxic metals, and others. The sun will continue to shine whether we use its rays to generate electricity or not, so be energy-independent and earth-friendly by using a clean source of energy.

Solar Savings Calculator

Solar Myths

Why Go Solar?

Solar Heating for Pools and Spas

At the most basic level, a roof protects you from the elements. And the greenest roof is the roof that lasts the longest. But new kinds of roofs can do more than keep you out of the rain and snow. Some will keep your house cooler, making you feel more comfortable and giving your air conditioner a break. Some provide wildlife habitat, and others collect rainwater you can use to water your garden. Others perform the amazing feat of harvesting sunlight to power your house and heat your water.

Top Tips

When shopping, look for

• The right material for your climate. If you live in a place with hot and sunny weather, choose a “cool roof” made with products designed to reflect the sun’s heat. Energy Star-qualified cool roof products can lower the roof’s surface temperature by as much as 100° F. and reduce the energy you use for air conditioning by 10% to 15%. Earlier cool roofs were white or very light colored, which didn’t work with every architectural style. But today’s cool roof products are available in wide range of colors and materials. Another benefit is that they don’t expand and contract in the sun as much as other roofing materials and so are likely to hold up longer.

• Planet-friendly materials. Which natural resources and how much energy went into making the product? How far did it have to travel to reach you? (Products that come from great distances typically use more transportation energy than locally made products.)
• Recycled materials. Several companies now offer slate or cedar look-alikes that are really made from recycled plastic or automobile-tire rubber. These products are too new to have proven durability, but some manufacturers offer 40- or 50-year warranties. Pricing is comparable to wood shingles and much less than real slate.
• Long warranties. Choose products that can last 40 or 50 years. They’ll cost more than the lower-grade products, but they’ll hold up better.

Other Considerations

• A newfangled take on the old sod roof, a vegetated “green roof” is a multilayered system of insulation, waterproofing, root barriers, drainage, lightweight soil, and, of course, plants. Green roofs are expensive to install (about $8 a square foot, compared with $1.25 a square foot for conventional roofs) and generally work only on low slopes. But they can offer tremendous benefits. They replace barren rooftops with grasses, succulents, wildflowers, or herbs–a vibrant habitat for birds, butterflies, and other critters. They insulate buildings, reducing heating and cooling costs. They extend the lives of roofs by protecting them from UV rays and thermal expansion. They reduce the heat-island effect and filter pollutants from the air and rainwater. And of course they look beautiful, too.
• With the right roofing materials, you can also collect rainwater from your roof to water your garden. Rainwater harvesting systems range from basic barrels under a downspout to huge underground tanks complete with pumps to get water to your plants. Good roofing options for rainwater harvesting include clay or cement tile, some metals, and slate. Avoid anything that may leach poisons into the rainwater, such as asphalt or tar. With wood, leaching can occur from mold or algae growing on the wood, or from the preservatives and fire retardants used to treat it. The jury is still out on leaching from recycled-plastic shingles.
• If you have unshaded south-facing roof space, think about adding a solar electric system or solar hot water panels.
• To help you assess the more conventional roofing options, here’s an introduction to their pros and cons.
  • Asphalt shingles are the most common roofing material. They top two-thirds of U.S. homes, and millions of tons of them wind up in landfills each year. They consist of a fiberglass or paper mat coated with asphalt (a petroleum-based product) and topped with mineral granules that provide UV protection. Lower-grade products cost less, but last only 15 or 20 years. The need for frequent replacement takes its toll on the environment. If you do choose asphalt shingles, choose a heavier, thicker, premium-grade product with a 40- or 50-year warranty.
  • Concrete and clay tiles are popular in some parts of the country. Clay tiles are made from clay, an abundant though nonrenewable resource. The main environmental issue is the energy necessary to fire and transport them. Often fashioned to look like clay, concrete tiles are cheaper. They contain about 25% portland cement, an energy-intensive material to manufacture, but are otherwise relatively environmentally benign. Clay and concrete tiles are heavy, so it’s a good idea to seek out locally made products to minimize the dollar and energy cost of hauling them long distances. Clay and concrete tiles are durable and fireproof but they can shatter in severe hailstorms. If you live in a cold climate, make sure the tiles you choose are rated to withstand freeze-thaw cycles.
  • Fiber-cement shingles are made of cement mixed with wood fiber; they used to contain asbestos but no longer do. They’re durable and fireproof, but may shatter in hailstorms. If you live in a cold climate, choose a product that’s rated to withstand freeze-thaw cycles.
  • Wood shingles and shakes are a traditional roofing material in some parts of the country but they can be expensive. (Shingles are sawn from logs and have a smoother finish; shakes are split from logs and look more rustic.) Some products are treated with preservatives or fire retardants–the latter being a requirement for wood roofs in some regions. These roofs will last longer, but they may leach chemicals into waterways. Premium grades are also tougher, but more likely to come from old-growth trees. You can get around this problem by choosing Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)-certified shingles and shakes.
  • Metal roofs, which come in panels, shingles, and tiles, are lightweight, strong, durable, and fire resistant. Aluminum, steel, and copper are the most common metals used, and although manufacturing them takes a lot of energy, many contain high recycled content and most are recyclable.
  • Slate tiles can last 100 years or more. If they’re ever removed they can be reused for roofs, flooring, or countertops. Slate is minimally processed and relatively environmentally benign. For the greenest option, choose salvaged slate. But if you’re buying it new, look for stone quarried in your part of the country to minimize transportation energy.
  • The most common and least expensive material for flat roofs is built-up tar and gravel roofing. It’s installed by putting down layers of roofing felt (actually sheets of fiberglass or paper but known in the building industry as felt) coated with hot asphalt or bitumen–a tar-like material made from petroleum or coal. The hot asphalt and bitumen create quite a stink when they are being applied. The top layer is spread with gravel for added UV protection. When newer tar-and-gravel roofs heat up in the sun, they give off VOCs. While most of these VOCs wind up in the outside air, some may make their way into your house through windows and vents. Tar-and-gravel roofs typically have shorter life spans than most other roofing materials–only about 12 years on average.

Benefits…

…to you
A durable, high quality roof protects you and your home from the elements. Specialty roofs can also generate power, harvest water, or make your home warmer in winter and cooler in summer, harvest water, and generate power.

…to your wallet
The 10% to 15% that a reflective roof can save you on air conditioning costs is nothing to sniff at if you live in hot climate. In a city like Phoenix, for instance, you could easily save $150 a year with a 1,000-square-foot “cool” roof.

…to the Earth
Durable roofs require less frequent replacement. That means less greenhouse gas is emitted, less nonrenewable material is wrested from the Earth, and a lot less waste piles up in landfills. Roofing materials with recycled content keep even more valuable resources out of the waste heap. With widespread use, “cool” roofing products could lead to cooler cities, reducing the need for air conditioning in buildings and cars, and decreasing smog and heat- and smog-related health problems.

Common Mistakes

• Cutting corners. A lower-quality roof may cost you less upfront, but can be costly when you have to replace it or if it fails and allows water into your home.
• Procrastination. If your roof leaks, don’t delay in getting it repaired. Moisture intrusion can lead to mold and rot, which may cause health problems for your family and could lead to serious structural problems for the building.

Getting Started

• If you’re considering a green roof, be sure to hire an installer with extensive experience and get an excellent warranty: the failure of a green roof could be very expensive to fix. Green roofs do require some maintenance, especially until the plants are well established. In fire-prone regions, local building codes may require the roof to be irrigated. Get advice from a structural engineer about whether your house can bear the added weight of a green roof.
• For general advice on what questions to ask contractors and other tradespeople, see our “What to Ask Your Contractor” article.
• Use our Green Directory to find a green roof contractor in your area.

A green roof is much more than, well…green.A green or vegetated roof refers to a roof that is partially or completely covered with vegetation and soil, or a growing medium that is planted over a water proof membrane.It often includes additional layers like root barriers, drainage, and irrigation systems…OK, it’s a lawn.That’s right, a lawn that can lower your energy bill, lower greenhouse gas emissions, reduce storm-water runoff, lower your stress level, and provide a habitat for surrounding wildlife.

We can give Germany credit for giving us more than just good beer and Beethoven.They also modernized green roofs, which have actually been around for centuries in Northern Scandinavia.Now, about 10% of all German roofs have been “greenified” and the trend has spread throughout Europe.Although vegetated roofs aren’t nearly as common in America as they are in Europe, it is becoming a more and more popular way for people to green their homes – literally.

Top Tips

·Choose the right roof - There are two main types of green roofs.Which you choose is dependent upon many factors such as the intended purpose of the roof, the type of building, your budget, etc.

·Intensive (garden-style) - Intensive roofs resemble gardens or parks.They are often used on flat roof-tops in large cities where park space is limited.Intensive roofs usually require about 6-24 inches of soil that is able to grow shrubs, small trees, lawns, even vegetable gardens.These garden-style rooftops may raise the bar when it comes to backyard barbeques and prove to be the lawn of the future.Consult a green roof specialist before considering installation of an intensive roof because they may require more sophisticated structural support and irrigation.

·Extensive (lawn-style) - Extensive roofs are the most common type of vegetated roof for a home because they require low to no-maintenance.An extensive green roof only requires a very thin layer of soil (1-6 inches), and can sustain many different types of grass.It is virtually self-sustaining and only requires weeding about once a year.There is usually no access to an extensive roof except for what is necessary for maintenance. That means no roof-top barbeques.Since extensive roofs support drought-resistant, shallow-rooted plants, and grass which generally grows no higher than a few inches (which means no mowing) they are ideal for homeowners looking for an easy way to save on energy consumption and make their homes more eco-friendly.

·Cost – Green roofs can cost around $10 – $15/sq. ft. for extensive green roofs and anywhere between $25 – $100/sq. ft. for intensive roofs.Of course the price depends on the geographic location, type and intent of the roof, installer, etc.A park complete with trees, walkways, and vegetable gardens is going to cost quite a bit more than a simple grass lawn.Either choice, however, will prove to be an economical and ecological benefit in the long run.Below are a few areas where a green roof can save you money.

·Maintenance – The sun can break down roofing materials over time requiring costly replacement and rebuilding.It is recommended that a conventional asphalt roof receive maintenance every 2 years, which could total up to $1,300 for a 2,500/sq. ft. roof that is about 1-5 years old (older roofs would cost more).The vegetation on a green roof acts as a barrier protecting the roof from harsh solar rays and protecting your wallet from the expense of constantly replacing worn roofing materials.

·Heating – You can save energy in cooler months with green roofs because they provide excellent insulation and retain 18% more heat than conventional roofs.

·Cooling – The temperature of a conventional roof membrane on a 95º F day can rise up to 158° F.The temperature of a green roof on the same day is about 77° F.A cooler roof means lower cooling costs in the summer.

·Structure – Because of their weight, green roofs require more demanding structural standards than regular roofs.Depending on your house, roof, and the type of vegetation you plan to install, structural reinforcements may be needed.Choose a quality service provider who will inspect your home properly before installing a green roof.Check your local listings or visit the Green Pages at www.sierraclubgreenhome.com for a list of reputable green roof installers.

…to you

·Grass, shrubbery, and flowers obviously make vegetated roofs more aesthetically pleasing; and if your home is a little bare when it comes to front yard space, a green roof is a great way to show off your gardening skills.

·Studies show that visual and physical contact with natural greenery provides both mental and physical health benefits such as:lower blood-pressure, lower heart rate, reduced stress or mental fatigue, assistance in quicker recovery from physical illness, and they provide long-term overall improvement in health.The health advantages of vegetated roofs are beginning to grow on many hospitals and health facilities, who are installing them for the benefit of recovering patients.For more information on studies regarding the health benefits of green surroundings visit http://www.naturalnews.com/025260_health_greenery_health_benefits.html.

…to your wallet

·A 2006 study by the University of Michigan comparing expected costs of conventional and green roofs revealed that, on average, installing a green roof costs about $22.10/sq. ft. versus $15.95/sq. ft. for a conventional roof.In its life, however, the green roof saves over $200,000 with two-thirds of that comingfrom reduced energy needs.Taking into consideration the added savings, the average cost of this topnotch turf would be about $12.57/sq. ft. – meaning you could save $3.38/sq. ft. by choosing a green roof.

…to the earth

·Green roofs are able to make much better use of rainwater than conventional roofs.A green roof can capture precipitation and influence it in 3 ways:

1)Taken up by the plants

2)Absorbed into pore spaces

3)Stored and retained by the drainage system of the roof

If the water is not absorbed by the vegetation, it is stored in other layers of the roof, and can be released back into the atmosphere rather than simply running off into a drainage system. Basically, green roofs reduce the amount of water that is wasted when it ends up in drainage systems.

·Lowering air-conditioning demand decreases the associated air pollution and greenhouse emissions.The vegetation can also remove air pollutants and greenhouse gas emissions through dry deposition and carbon sequestration and storage.According to one website, a square foot of vegetation absorbs about 0.33 ounces of air pollution per year, so a mere 1,500 sq./ft. vegetated roof could absorb over 40pounds of air pollution each year and almost2,000 pounds in its lifetime.The impact of green roofs on large commercial buildings is obviously even greater.

·The first step to installing a green roof is contacting a roofing specialist or architect to ensure your roof is sufficiently structurally sound.Use this link to guide you in selecting the proper professional:“What to Ask Your Contractor” .

Further Reading

Planting Green Roofs and Living Wallsby Nigel Dunnett and Noel Kingsbury

http://www.epa.gov/heatisland/mitigation/greenroofs.htm

http://www.athensclarkecounty.com/documents/pdf/landscape_management/tcn_airquality.pdf.

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US Energy Secretary Steven Chu said the Obama administration wanted to paint roofs an energy-reflecting white, as he took part in a climate change symposium.